On February 27th, a blueberry conference took place in Honghe City, Yunnan Province, China. The blueberry industry has experienced rapid growth in Yunnan in recent years. According to local specialists, the unique climate here fosters early-maturing varieties, resulting in fruit with superior flavor.
According to statistics, the blueberry planting area in Yunnan covers 76,000 mu (over 5.000 hectare), yielding approximately 105,000 tonnes. International berry companies have been steadily establishing their presence in Yunnan
Driscoll's and Costa ventured into Yunnan several years ago, and now Planasa, Fall Creek, Agrovision, and others have also set up offices and farms here. Local companies such as Yunke Chuang and Jiawo are also experiencing rapid growth.
Patented Varieties
During the conference, attendees discussed the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. While blueberries currently yield high profits, many are concerned about the future, particularly in five or ten years when the market may become saturated. The issue of plant variety protection was raised multiple times during the meeting, with concerns about unauthorized cultivation of patented varieties potentially destabilizing the market.
Increasing Labor Costs
Another significant concern is the escalating labor costs, which are expected to rise annually. With an increasing number of farms in a given area, competition for local laborers will intensify. This competition becomes particularly fierce during the picking season, necessitating careful planning to ensure an adequate workforce for blueberry harvesting. Consequently, automation is being considered by larger growers as a viable solution.
Quality Improvement Strategies
Discussions also centered on methods to enhance blueberry quality, including optimized fertilizer usage and waste liquid recovery.
Future Export Prospects
Presently, blueberries from Yunnan are primarily consumed in domestic markets. However, as output continues to increase, exporting becomes a viable option. The Southern Hemisphere is identified as a potential market for Yunnan blueberries in the future.